A hilarious farce of sentimental pirates, bumbling policemen, dim-witted young lovers and an eccentric Major-General.

Set sail with this classic comedy that boasts one of the most famous patter songs in musical theatre history. A fresh take on one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular comic operas, this updated version of THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE took New York by storm when it premiered in Central Park in 1980, leading to a subsequent smash-hit Broadway run.

Gilbert and Sullivan’s hilarious, hopeful farce follows young Frederic, an orphan who has mistakenly been apprenticed to an ineffectual but raucous band of pirates. He disavows the pirates’ way of life and falls for the beautiful Mabel. Frederic’s melodious tones win over the heart of Major-General Stanley’s songbird daughter, but when the Pirate King discovers that General Stanley has lied about being an orphan to keep the pirates from stealing all of his belongings and carrying off his bevy of beautiful daughters, an “ingenious paradox” may prevent the budding romance and lead to the death of “The very model of a modern Major-General.”

Open auditions will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, September 5 and 6 at Bellevue Society for the Arts, 205 Maple Street, Bellevue. No appointment is necessary.

Available roles:
Frederic — a member of the Pirates. He is unaffected and possesses an un-self-conscious sex appeal. Youthful, genuine and innocent. Gender: male, age: 20–21; vocal range: G4–Bb2
Mabel — daughter of the Major-General. Mabel is a classic beauty similar to Lillian Gish or Mary Pickford. An astute young woman, she is sympathetic in nature. She and Frederic fall in love. Gender: female, age: 18–21; vocal range: Db6–Bb3
Pirate King — the leader of the pirates. Despite his sharp and loud bark, he is actually a whole-hearted romantic with a soft bite. A handsome man typically found with an open shirt and wind in his hair. Gender: male, age: 25–35; vocal range: F4–A#2
Ruth — Frederic’s lifelong nanny. A sneaky Mrs. Potts, she is attractive enough for her age but cares very little about such things. She wants nothing more in life than to see Frederic happy, healthy, and by her side. Gender: female; age: 47–57; vocal range: Eb5–G3
Kate — daughter of the Major-General. Quick-witted and rather sassy. She, like her other sisters, is strikingly beautiful. Gender: female; age: 17–21; vocal range: G5–Ab3
Edith — daughter of the Major-General. Though a level-headed girl, she is quite mischievous. Very beautiful and the eldest of the daughters. Gender: female; age: 20–25; vocal range: G5–Ab3
Samuel — the Pirate King’s right-hand man. Perhaps a bit rotund, Samuel is clever but easily manipulated and influenced. Gender: male; age: 35–45; vocal range: F4–Bb2
Sergeant — the leader of the police. He is Groucho Marx-esque and uncomfortably clumsy. Though their duty to protect is clear, the Sergeant and his police are more accustomed to fear and hide. Gender: male; age: 35–45; vocal range: E4–G2
Ensemble — Daughters, Pirates, Policemen

The role of Major-General has already been cast.

Please prepare a song you are comfortable singing. A song from the show is acceptable, but not required. A song in the style of the show is encouraged, but not required. An accompanist and a CD player will be on-hand.